Karen is an illustrator based in Hertfordshire, specialising in picture books that engage the senses and explore complex themes. Her QEST Scholarship supports her MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, where she will refine her visual storytelling to create rich, sensory books for young readers.
Believing in the power of physical books, Karen’s work aims to help children experience stories as beautiful, immersive objects. She is particularly focused on creating ‘silent stories’ — wordless picture books that communicate entirely through images. These stories will explore themes of disability and vulnerability, offering children a space to process and make sense of challenging topics.
In addition to her creative practice, Karen is a teacher and SENCO at a local school. Working closely with children, she recognises the power of creative storytelling to foster empathy and imagination in the next generation. Karen hopes her books will encourage young readers to fall in love with the tactile, sensory experience of physical books, offering a meaningful alternative to digital media.
